Begoña Gómez, the wife of Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, is set to face trial following charges of corruption and influence peddling. A judge has ruled there is sufficient evidence for the proceedings, marking a significant development in a case that has been under investigation since 2024.
The charges stem from a complaint by an anti-corruption group, which accused Ms. Gómez of manipulating a public contract process to favor companies she has connections with. She has consistently denied these allegations but is nevertheless required to surrender her passport and report to court biweekly.
“Behaviors such as these emanating from presidential palaces seem more characteristic of absolutist regimes, thankfully long forgotten in our country,” said Judge Juan Carlos Peinado in his lengthy ruling.
The judge’s decision includes multiple charges: embezzlement, corruption, misappropriation of funds, and influence peddling. While the trial date remains unspecified, the involvement of other political factions, including the right-wing Vox party, adds a layer of complexity and tension to the proceedings.
Prime Minister Sánchez has responded sternly to the accusations against his wife, labeling them as a ‘political smear campaign’ initiated by his adversaries. Despite the controversy, he has resisted resigning, affirming his stance against what he sees as a targeted effort to undermine his leadership.
The situation presents a challenging landscape for Mr. Sánchez, who, despite his popularity internationally amongst liberal circles, is confronting increased scrutiny and political pressure domestically.
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